Virtual Talk |
Behind LUKi & the Lights (2023) with Big Grin Studios

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of LUKi & the Lights (2023), a touching animated short about the experience of a robot who is diagnosed with ALS. This program will be accompanied by a special screening of the short film.

Questions can be submitted during the webinar through Zoom's Q&A function. Due to anticipated demand and limited Q&A time, not all submitted questions will be answered.

All participants must sign up by 5pm PT on Tuesday, November 12. Participants must have a Zoom account to attend the webinar. A link to the webinar and instructions for joining will be sent via email prior to the event.

Tickets for Behind LUKi & the Lights (2023) with Big Grin Studios are available as follows:

• All member levels: Purchase tickets online beginning Tuesday, October 22 at noon via the Member Portal.
• Public (non-members): Remaining tickets available online beginning Wednesday, October 23 at noon.

Upgrade your membership to receive priority access to purchase tickets. Membership dues and Walt's Circle donations may be paid as monthly installments or as a one-time annual payment. For more information, please email the Membership Department at membership@wdfmuseum.org.

Toby Cochran is the creative force behind Big Grin Productions, with nearly 20 years of entertainment and an award-winning Director of LUKi & the Lights (2023). As a global leader, Cochran skillfully leads teams in commercials, animated series, live-action and animated films, and video games. Cochran's dedication extends to crafting original stories and putting a big ol' “Grin” on everyone's faces.

Adrian Ochoa, an award-winning producer, contributed to Disney and Pixar films from Toy Story 2 (1999) all the way to Inside Out (2015). Additionally, he produced over 45 mobile games and the award-winning VR animated short film Arden’s Wake (2021).

Michelle Meeker was one of two Animation Supervisors on LUKi & the Lights (2023) and played a key role in bringing emotional depth to the characters. With a career that spans major studios including Pixar, Weta Digital, and PDI, her credits include Pixar's Geri’s Game (1997), Shrek (2001), and the Lord of the Rings series. Michelle has shared her expertise through teaching and lecturing internationally.

Jimmy Maidens served as one of two Lighting and Technical Supervisors on LUKi & the Lights (2023), playing a key role in elevating the film’s lighting. Known for his work on Penguins of Madagascar (2008), Megamind (2010), and Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014), Maidens also co-founded and served as VFX Supervisor at Penrose Studios in San Francisco.